California’s “End of Life Option Act” and Family Dilemmas

by Linda Fodrini‐Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC, Founder & Chairman, Eldercare Services

Planning for actual death seems to be almost unthinkable, and the majority of us avoid this subject altogether, and in some cultures, it is not even prepared for because that would be considered disrespectful and not honorable.

This article will examine the client and family perspectives and how there can be conflicts because of the enormity and finality of this decision.

We may have heard from either peers or clients that they don’t want to be a burden, and say in jest, “If I have a diagnosis of a long chronic illness or become terminal, I am just going to have an accident while hiking,” or some other message that implies they don’t want to be in a lingering state of pain or discomfort.

When the pain or discomfort of illness is more than one can bear, Californians have the End of Life Option Act that allows those who meet the criteria, to take a drug that will end their life.

Those in the legal profession can see how someone with a serious illness could be unduly influenced by a family member to take advantage of this measure. This issue also brings up mixed feelings, values, and concerns for most of us and can be especially hard to understand for those who fight hard against suicide or have experienced the death of a close loved one.

To qualify, the patient must meet the following criteria:

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